Day Nineteen: Maundy Thursday
LEADING TO THE CROSS
After celebrating the Passover with His disciples late that Thursday evening, Jesus spent the rest of the night praying in Gethsemane. His disciples were already so tired that they couldn't stay awake. Jesus was so overwhelmed by sorrow at His impending mission that He had to be strengthened by angels. Yet, being still in agony, He prayed more earnestly until His sweat became like drops of blood. The soldiers came with His betrayer to arrest Him. His closest friends deserted Him. Dragging Him from one illegitimate trial to another, He faced false charges, lies, and insults until early the following day, when He stood before Pilate.
This is the moment that Isaiah prophesied about: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth." (Isaiah 53:7)
Why? Why not speak in His own defense? Why not argue His case? After all, He was innocent, wasn't He? All Jesus did was heal their sick and raise their dead, feed their hungry, and love their outcasts. Jesus showed them the Father and told them the truth. He was a perfect representation of the Father's love. And they returned His love with "wicked and deceitful mouths" and "lying tongues" to accuse Him.
And now, when given the chance to defended Himself, He chose to remain silent. Why? Because His acquittal would mean their condemnation. Because their sin against Him was the very thing He came to save them from. When Jesus entered the Holy of Holies in Heaven to plead for the souls of men, He needed an acceptable sacrifice to offer in exchange. He was that acceptable sacrifice. It was for this reason that He came
DAY NINETEEN DEVOTIONAL
Scripture: Psalm 109:1-5
"Be not silent, O God of my praise! For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tonques. They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.”
Hear From God
Pull out a journal or your notes app, and take a few minutes to reflect on these verses.
Highlight –– Write down part of the Scripture that stood out to you
Explain –– Answer the question, “What is the Bible teaching?” Ask the Holy Spirit for insight, and use the resources below to help.
Apply –– How can you apply this in real life?
Respond –– Use what you’ve learned to pray, write out a next step, or consider who you can share this with.
PRAY
Today, would you add these things to your prayer time as you pray and fast?
God, thank You for the humility Jesus showed in going to the cross on my behalf
Help me to walk in that same humility this week – humble and grateful to You
Show me any sin in my life that needs to be removed in order to follow You best
Prepare us as a church unit in prayer today in gratitude for what Jesus did on our behalf
